New Jersey pet rent laws in 2025 have become stricter with updated fee and deposit limits. These regulations create a bridge between tenants with pets and landlords, which protects both sides’ housing rights. With LeaseRunner’s article, you can gain some legal tips to prevent disputes and stay compliant with state law.
Overview of Pet Rent Rules in New Jersey
New Jersey pet rent laws create a balanced system for both landlords and tenants. Landlords may set their own pet policies, but they must follow a legal framework. It includes the Anti-Eviction Act, Security Deposit Law, and Fair Housing Act when charging pet rent or deposits. These pet-friendly rental laws in New Jersey ensure that both sides understand their rights and responsibilities.
Is Pet Rent Allowed in New Jersey?
Yes. Landlords can charge pet rent in New Jersey if they choose to allow animals in their properties. The charge must be listed in the lease. This extra monthly payment helps cover wear and tear or additional cleaning costs linked to pet ownership.
Current Legal Status (2025 Update)
As of 2025, pet rent rules in New Jersey do not ban or limit pet rent amounts. Landlords can still include “no-pet” clauses unless the tenant qualifies for an exception, such as assistance animals or certain senior housing. Like in landlord-friendly states, New Jersey property owners can set flexible lease terms if they follow fair housing and disability laws. While there are new New Jersey rental laws 2025 under review, no major statewide reforms have been enacted yet.
However, proposed bills on pets in rentals, such as S3390, aim to improve transparency and clarify disclosure rules for seasonal leases that allow animals. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) continues to remind landlords to apply pet policies fairly. They must also avoid discrimination against renters with disabilities or service animals.
Pet Fee and Deposit Limits in New Jersey
New Jersey pet rent laws don’t set statewide limits on pet-related charges, including security deposits and pet fees. However, the government enacted its own rules for each kind of fee, such as the New Jersey Security Deposit Law. Following those regulations, landlords must clearly write all charges in the housing lease, and they must be reasonable. Some landlords choose to include a standard pet deposit for rentals to cover possible pet-related wear or damage. As a landlord, you should distinguish pet fees from pet deposits to set a fair and profitable charge for your rentals.
Security Deposit Caps in New Jersey
Under the N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 et seq, landlords can collect up to 1.5 times the monthly rent as a total security deposit limit. This amount may include funds for potential pet damage if the lease mentions it. Many landlords treat this as a one-month cap deposit for simplicity and transparency.
The deposit must be kept in an interest-bearing account, and tenants must receive an annual interest statement. After move-out, landlords have 30 days to return the deposit, minus any lawful deductions.
Rules on Pet Rent Charges
There’s no specific cap on monthly pet rent in New Jersey under state law. Landlords can set reasonable amounts based on local market standards or property type. Pet rent must appear in the lease agreement before signing and can’t be added later. Typical pet rent ranges from $25 to $50 per month per pet, though it may vary depending on the property and lease terms.
This figure is considered a non-refundable pet fee and remains separate from any deposit. When setting pet-related charges, landlords must look at New Jersey rent control laws, which regulate the monthly rent and rent increases. This helps protect tenants’ rights and landlords’ property investment.
Non-Refundable Pet Fees in New Jersey
Non-refundable pet fee in New Jersey regulations allows landlords to charge a one-time payment, often ranging from $200 to $500 per pet. These fees must be clearly stated in writing and cannot replace a pet deposit limit in New Jersey as defined under the state’s security deposit law.
To avoid confusion, landlords can refer to this guide on whether pet deposits are refundable to understand how refunds and deductions should be handled fairly. These one-time fees typically cover non-damage costs, such as deep cleaning or odor removal after move-out.
Local Ordinances in New Jersey
New Jersey doesn’t have a uniform statewide rule on pet rent or fees, but local ordinances can differ. Some cities—like Newark or Jersey City—may have nuisance or noise laws that affect pet policies.
In senior or subsidized housing, blanket no-pet bans are prohibited under N.J.S.A. 55:14K-1 et seq. Landlords should always check local DCA or municipal codes for pet restrictions related to breeds, sizes, or numbers.
Assistance Animals Rule in New Jersey
Under New Jersey pet rent laws, assistance animals — including service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) — are protected by both federal and state fair housing rules. These laws, which include the service animal definition housing New Jersey, ensure that people with disabilities receive equal housing opportunities. The state also follows the ESA Laws of New Jersey, which align with the federal Fair Housing Act to prevent discrimination in rental housing.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) in New Jersey
An emotional support animal helps individuals manage symptoms of a mental or emotional disability. ESAs are covered under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the New Jersey law, emotional support animal provisions of the Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.).
Following the ESA definition, by the FHA, emotional support animals do not require special training. However, they must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a therapist or psychiatrist. As of 2025, there are no state-specific ESA registration requirements in New Jersey, but landlords must recognize legitimate assistance animals in housing settings. To stay compliant with screening and verification steps, landlords should also review the state of New Jersey's tenant screening laws for proper documentation practices.
When Landlords Cannot Charge Pet Rent or Fees
Landlords cannot charge pet rent, pet fees, or pet deposits for verified ESA and service animals. These charges are fees prohibited for assistance animals under both state and federal laws. This is because these animals are not considered pets, and there is no pet rent for ESA units.
This rule applies even in “no-pet” housing, unless the animal poses a direct threat or causes undue hardship, such as severe property damage. Denying an ESA without proper review can lead to housing discrimination complaints. These cases often fall under state and federal law involving reasonable accommodation for pet housing.
Acceptable Verification & Documentation in New Jersey
To qualify for an ESA, tenants must provide a verification letter from a licensed mental health professional confirming their need for the animal. The letter should not include medical details, only the confirmation of disability-related necessity.
Following a 2024 New Jersey Supreme Court ruling, landlords must follow a verification process for an assistance animal that involves two key steps. They should review the documentation first and request additional information only if the letter’s validity is unclear.
Online or self-issued ESA letters are not accepted. For clarity, tenants and landlords can learn more about what makes a legitimate ESA letter before submitting or approving documentation. Verification expires after a year or when providers change, so tenants should renew paperwork yearly to comply with New Jersey pet rent laws.
Rights and Responsibilities for Landlord and Tenants
Under New Jersey pet rent laws, both landlords and tenants share clear rights and duties to keep rental relationships fair. The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) protects tenants from unfair evictions while requiring everyone to follow lease terms and landlord obligations pets outlined by state law.
Landlord Duties Under New Jersey Law
Landlords must provide the right to reasonable accommodations for assistance animals, give tenants written notice of pet policies, and return deposits with a full itemized statement. They cannot evict tenants just for having a pet if the lease allows it, nor discriminate under the non-discrimination housing New Jersey.
When issues arise, such as noise or property damage, landlords should issue warnings and handle complaints fairly before taking legal steps. For a clearer understanding of what actions landlords cannot legally take, see landlord restrictions under New Jersey law.
Tenant Rights and Obligations
Tenants have the right to request assistance animal accommodations or challenge unfair pet fees. However, they must seek written approval for pets not covered by disability laws. They also need to keep animals under control to prevent nuisances like excessive barking and pay for any damage beyond normal wear.
Having an unapproved pet may violate the lease. However, eviction can only occur through proper court action — not simply for situations like can you get evicted for dog sitting a friend’s pet.
Managing Pet-Related Damages and Deductions
If a pet causes damage, landlords may deduct repair costs from the security deposit with proof such as photos or estimates. Normal wear cannot be deducted. If tenants believe deductions are unfair, they may file a small claims dispute to recover excess charges. Pet owners should also understand the value of pet liability insurance, which can protect both parties from costly accidents or injuries. You can learn more in LeaseRunner’s article on pet liability coverage for renters.
Any pet deposit must follow New Jersey’s general refund and return timelines, ensuring transparency for both sides. Landlords may also set dog breed restrictions in New Jersey within legal boundaries, as long as they comply with fair housing and state laws.
Practical Tips to Prevent Disputes for Landlords
Under New Jersey pet rent laws, landlords can avoid most conflicts by setting clear, fair, and well-documented pet rules from the start. Here’s how to keep your rental pet-friendly and compliant:
1. State Clear Pet Terms in the Lease
Create a detailed pet addendum template for New Jersey that specifies what types, sizes, and breeds are allowed. You can also include a lease clause in the pets' New Jersey section to outline pet rent amounts, deposits, and any restrictions—such as no aggressive breeds. Require proof of vaccinations or liability coverage to protect both parties. For secure digital leasing, use LeaseRunner’s online rental application to streamline tenant approvals and maintain organized pet documentation.
2. Document Unit Condition at Move-In/Move-Out
Perform a joint move-in inspection pets New Jersey and repeat the process during the move-out walkthrough. Take photos or videos of every room, especially carpets, baseboards, and walls where pet damage often occurs. Use a signed checklist or a pet policy lease sample to confirm the unit’s condition and expectations. If a tenant leaves pets or belongings behind, refer to New Jersey’s abandoned property laws to handle the situation properly and stay compliant with state requirements.
3. Communicate Pet Expectations Early
Discuss pet policies during showings and application reviews. If tenants request an accommodation under New Jersey pet laws, respond promptly—ideally within 14 to 30 days—to avoid misunderstandings or implied approval. To screen responsible pet owners effectively, consider using LeaseRunner’s tenant background screening service for verified tenant history and peace of mind.
4. Keep Itemized Records of Pet-Related Charges
Track all communications, receipts, and repair invoices related to pets. Provide itemized statements for deductions from the security deposit and include annual interest when required. Transparency builds trust and protects you in legal disputes.
Conclusions
Under the New Jersey pet rent laws, landlords may charge reasonable pet fees or deposits. However, fairness and compliance are essential, especially when assistance animals are involved. Clear lease terms, photo documentation, and written communication help prevent disputes and build trust. Tenants should always review the lease carefully and seek help from Legal Services of New Jersey or a local attorney for legal questions.
For an easier way to manage rentals, create compliant pet addendums and digital lease agreements with LeaseRunner. It’s a trusted online platform that helps landlords stay organized, compliant, and stress-free.
FAQs
What is the new pet rent law in New Jersey?
There’s no new statewide law in 2025. Under New Jersey pet rent laws, landlords may charge pet rent if it’s in the lease. Bill S3390 only applies to seasonal rentals.
What is the maximum amount a landlord can charge for pet rent in New Jersey?
There’s no legal limit on pet rent in New Jersey. Most landlords charge $25–$50 per pet each month, depending on the lease and market rates. Still, all pet fees must be reasonable, consistent, and non-discriminatory to comply with fair housing standards.
Can a landlord break a lease for pets in New Jersey?
Landlords can’t simply break a lease. However, they may issue a notice to cure or quit if a tenant violates pet policies. This can happen, for example, when a tenant keeps an unauthorized animal or causes property damage. Eviction is only possible through a court order under the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act, protecting tenants who follow lease rules.
Can I get evicted for pet sitting in New Jersey?
Occasional pet sitting for a few days usually won’t cause eviction if it doesn’t disturb neighbors or break the lease. But ongoing or unapproved pet care could trigger enforcement. Landlords must give written notice and show actual harm. Tenants can check DCA bulletins for official guidance on “no-pet” rules.
